Exercise may prevent Alzheimer's

EATING a balanced diet, exercising and keeping trim can not only reduce the risk of developing heart disease, but may also protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers.

The research is being presented to 4,000 scientists this week at a six-day conference in Stockholm, the largest meeting dedicated to the disease to-date. While doctors remain unsure about the cause of Alzheimer’s, both genetic and

environmental influences are thought to play a part. Now researchers also believe certain risk factors, which are known to cause heart disease, are also linked to the neurological condition. Scientists claim that lack of exercise, excess weight, high cholesterol and blood pressure can all increase the risk of developing the disease. Even diabetes appears to have an effect.

Several studies to be presented at the conference indicate that people may be able to reduce the risk of developing the disease by taking early steps to treat high blood pressure.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative and irreversible brain disorder that causes intellectual impairment and disorientation. Initially sufferers find it hard to form new memories and cannot remember recent events. As the disease progresses, their long-term memory is also affected and it can be a cause of death. It is estimated that up to 5% of people over 65 and up to 20% of those over 80 suffer from the disease, which still has no cure. There are about 12 million cases of Alzheimer’s worldwide, but it is increasing so fast that more than 22 million people will be affected by 2025, experts say.

Three other studies at the conference are set to bolster evidence that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs will also lower the risk of developing the condition.

As Alzheimer’s may start developing 20 or 30 years before the first symptoms appear, doctors say that keeping healthy in younger life is vital to ensure healthy ageing. Two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last month found people who ate foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and C were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Antioxidants are important because they combat the body’s free radicals - charged particles, produced by the body, which can damage cells.

The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland described this week’s conference involving more than 4,000 scientists as very positive in the fight to learn more about the

disease. “It is very encouraging to have so many scientists gathered together to share ideas and

research. Any research that sheds light on this disease has to be welcomed,” society chief executive Maurice O’Connell said.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

Symptoms of the gradual onset of Alzheimer’s disease include:

Poor or decreased judgement.

Difficulty in performing complex tasks.

Problems with language and memory.

Disorientation in time and place.

Change in personality.

Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland helpline number: 1800 341341.